There is no city greater in East Africa than Nairobi. Awarded the unfortunate nickname of Nairobbery, this metropolis boasts an infamous reputation for violence and crime. But, be both careful of yourself, and aware of your surroundings, and the magnificence and diversity of Nairobi extends its welcoming hand in your direction.

A city of contrasts, Nairobi plays host to the extreme rich, in the plush suburbs of Muthaiga, Karen, Runda and Westlands, and to the desperately poor in the slums of Kibera, Mathare, and Muthurw The mix of people compliments the mix in prosperity and the city is home to a blend of expat workers, Kenyans of all ethnic groups, and Africans of other nations who come to make their fortune in the Capital, giving Nairobi a unique character as the throne of vibrancy in the melting pot of East Africa.

With all the activities one could request of a major city, Nairobi also boasts the additional attractions of a National Park in the near vicinity, a game restaurant at the Carnivore, serving great hunks of camel, giraffe and zebra on roasting swords, and probably the most vibrant and diverse nightlife in the region.

The museums boast collections which most other countries would envy, the galleries in Westlands play host to the emerging confidence of Kenyan Art, and the numerous shopping centres give even the most materialistic tourist a plethora of opportunity.

Plenty of places to stay for travellers of all budgets make Nairobi an easy city to visit, and the vast web of public transport make it an interesting city to negotiate.

The city is a perfect base for exploring the country and the region in general, and more than worth a stay if you want to stay a little longer. Embrace it, enjoy it, and allow Nairobi to shrug off it’s detrimental reputation and enchant you.